Abella to allow same-sex 'civil partnership'

Presidential candidate Ernesto Abella on Wednesday said he would allow same-sex civil partnership and abortion as option for women in "unfortunate circumstances" if he is elected in the 2022 elections.

During the Catholic E-Forum hosted by Radio Veritas, Abella said he does not personally agree on same-sex marriage but would allow the civil union for same-sex couple.

“On the other hand, if they will want a civil partnership, ibig sabihin parang negosyante, meron silang partnership, if they want to do that, they can do that,” he said.

(On the other hand, if they will want a civil partnership, it means like they are entrepreneurs who are both, they have partnership, if they want to do that, they can do that)

Asked about his view on abortion which some people are pushing "in the guise of pursuing the rights of the mother," Abella replied, "I don't think it's a question of those rights, it should not be on-demand."

“Only in times of real need. For example, they were either raped or [victims of] incest. But of course, there will be limits to that,” he said.

“Ang sinasabi ko lang meron dapat puwang for people to escape unfortunate circumstances.  Hindi 'yung 'nagkamali ako, I don't want this baby anymore.' No, no, no, you have to be responsible for that.  On the other hand, I believe there should be certain provisions for people falling into those unfortunate circumstances,” Abella added.

A former evangelist, Abella served as spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte from 2016 to 2017 and one of the undersecretaries of the Department of Foreign Affairs from 2017 until last year.—KBK/GMA News

(This article has been corrected to reflect Mr. Abella's position on abortion more accurately. We regret the error.)